Able to Care

Join Host Andy Baker and Actress Gemma Oaten on a Powerful Episode Addressing Mental Health, Eating Disorders, and Resilience

In this deeply moving episode of the Able to Care Podcast, Andy Baker is joined by actress Gemma Oaten, known for her work on Emmerdale, Holby City, Coronation Street, and her new role as a BBC Radio Humberside host. Beyond her successful acting career, Gemma shares her powerful journey of overcoming personal struggles with eating disorders, mental health challenges, and bullying. As the CEO of SEED Eating Disorder Support Services, Gemma speaks passionately about raising awareness and fostering resilience in individuals facing similar battles.

Through her lived experiences and advocacy work, Gemma offers insights into the complexities of eating disorders, mental health, and the importance of compassion and support networks. She shares her dedication to creating a positive impact for those suffering and highlights the power of supportive communities in the journey to recovery.

This episode is a must-listen for caregivers, educators, and advocates looking to gain a deeper understanding of mental health and how we can build stronger, more supportive networks.

🎧 Resources Mentioned:

• SEED Eating Disorder Support Services: Gemma's charity providing education, support, and resources for individuals and families affected by eating disorders.

Key Messages:

Understanding and Compassion in Mental Health Gemma highlights the need for a compassionate approach towards individuals battling mental health and eating disorders, debunking misconceptions and emphasising the importance of non-judgmental support.

The Role of Community and Family Support Through her own experiences, Gemma demonstrates the vital role family and community play in helping individuals overcome adversity and rediscover their sense of identity beyond their struggles.

Building Resilience Through Advocacy and Awareness Gemma's advocacy work through SEED and her public platform are driving forces in raising awareness for mental health issues, with a focus on education and empowerment.

Key Timestamps:

• 00:00:00 - Episode Introduction and Carer's Card UK Sponsorship

Stay Connected! If you enjoyed this episode, don’t miss future conversations with inspiring guests and thought leaders. Subscribe to the Able to Care Podcast and follow us for updates on upcoming episodes. Connect with us on social media: @abletraining on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and @abletocarepodcast on TikTok for exclusive behind-the-scenes content.

Looking for More Resources? Visit our Able Hub website for courses and support resources to empower caregivers, educators, and care advocates. Join the Able Hub community for exclusive access to resources that support your personal and professional growth.

Join host Andy Baker in this insightful episode as he explores the concept of dynamic risk assessments—a critical skill for caregivers, educators, and anyone in high-stakes environments. Learn how to approach everyday risks with adaptability and situational awareness.

Andy breaks down dynamic risk assessments, explaining how they differ from traditional assessments and why they’re essential for effective, safe decision-making on the go. Using practical examples, he covers how to apply this skill in first aid situations, while navigating complex behaviours, and even in high-pressure caregiving scenarios. From the Green Cross Code to managing risks in moments of distress, this episode provides tools to keep yourself and others safe.

This episode is a must-listen for caregivers, teachers, and anyone who encounters unpredictable environments where they must respond in real-time. 🎧

Sponsors Mentioned:

• Carer's Card UK (our sponsor): Access exclusive discounts and benefits with our promo code for Carer's Card UK members.

Key Messages:

Understanding Dynamic Risk Assessments Andy explains how dynamic risk assessments help us navigate risks that change by the second. Unlike static assessments, they offer a framework for assessing and responding to unexpected variables.

The APOP Framework: A Guide for Real-Time Risk Assessment Learn about the APOP Framework—Activity, People, Objects, Place—which helps you quickly evaluate situations and make informed decisions on safety.

Situational Awareness for Self-Preservation Andy underscores the importance of prioritising one’s own safety to be an effective helper. Through analogies like the oxygen mask rule, he reminds listeners that self-care is foundational to caring for others.

Key Timestamps:

Stay Connected!

Looking for More Resources?

Welcome to Season 2 of the Able to Care Podcast! 🎉 And launch of the ablehub.uk membership site. 

Join host Andy Baker in this powerful season launch episode featuring Olympic medallist and British javelin icon, Fatima Whitbread. Dive into an inspiring discussion on resilience, advocacy, and transformation within the UK care system.

Fatima’s story—from her challenging childhood in the care system to her rise as a legendary athlete—reveals a remarkable dedication to uplifting children in care. With her UK campaign, she aims to unite social workers, caregivers, and educators to create a collaborative support network that truly empowers vulnerable young people. Listen as Fatima shares her journey, the importance of mentorship, community action, and her bold vision for a compassionate and effective care system.

This episode is a must-listen for caregivers, educators, social workers, and advocates committed to making a positive difference in children’s lives. 🎧

Resources Mentioned:

• Fatima’s UK Campaign: Advocating for a unified, supportive care system in the UK.

Key Messages:

1. The Power of Resilience and Purpose
   

Key Timestamps:

• 00:00:02 - Welcome to Season 2 of the Able to Care Podcast with Andy Baker

Stay Connected!

Looking for More Resources?

Welcome to the final episode of Season 1 of the Able to Care Podcast! In this special episode, host Andy Baker reflects on the journey so far, sharing insights into how the podcast has grown since it first launched in August 2023. Andy takes us back to the very first episode, featuring co-host Nadine Sutton, where they discussed dementia, stigmatisation, and misconceptions about this condition. From initial nerves to personal growth, Andy reveals how the podcast has evolved over the past year.

In this episode, we revisit important topics such as:

• Common misconceptions about dementia and Alzheimer’s

Andy and Nadine dive deep into how dementia affects memory, perception, and behaviour, offering insights into the challenges faced by both those living with dementia and their caregivers. Through personal stories, they explore ways to reframe dementia in a more positive and compassionate light, including the importance of engaging with emotional memories, even when logical memory fades.

Key Takeaways:

• Dementia is not just memory loss or a normal part of ageing; it is a complex brain condition with over 400 types.

Resources Mentioned:

• Dementia Awareness Month: Focus on improving understanding and reducing stigma

Join Us for Season 2!

Sponsored by:

Please subscribe and leave a review if you enjoyed this episode. We'll see you back for Season 2!

#AbleToCarePodcast #DementiaAwareness #EndTheStigma #CaregiverSupport #AlzheimersEducation #BrainHealth #UnderstandingDementia #PositiveCare #CarerCommunity #MentalHealthAwareness #PodcastSeasonFinale #CareTraining #CareProfessionals #EmotionalConnections #StigmaFree

Episode Description:

Key Topics Covered:

The Challenges of Diagnosing Autism in Girls:

Alex’s Journey with Her Daughter’s Diagnosis:

The Impact of Masking and Misunderstandings:

Alex’s Self-Discovery of Autism:

Benefits of Diagnosis and Acceptance:

Positives of Autism and Embracing Differences:

Key Quotes:

• "When your expectations are up here, they're always going to fall short, and unfortunately, that's one of the problems they see in themselves." — Andy Baker

Resources Mentioned:

• ABLE Training's free course on autism awareness and understanding in girls. https://hub.able-training.co.uk/courses/autism-women-girls/

Takeaway Message:

Connect with Us:

In this special episode of the Able to Care podcast, host Andy Baker takes a moment to reflect on the incredible journey of Season 1. After more than a year and a half since starting the podcast with just one episode a month, Andy shares how the podcast has evolved, now releasing two episodes per week. He speaks candidly about the meaningful connections he’s made, the growth of the podcast, and his excitement for the future, with Season 2 set to launch on 5th November.

Reflecting on the Podcast’s Growth: Andy talks about how the podcast started as a way to give back and connect with others, but over time, it has become much more. He now releases weekly interviews alongside solo episodes, which has led to incredible engagement and connections with listeners.

The Impact of the Podcast: Andy shares the deep impact the podcast has had, including some of the episodes that stand out to him:

• Panorama Review Episode: One of the earlier episodes where Andy and co-host Nadine discussed a Panorama investigation into abuse in a hospital setting. This episode opened important conversations around improving care, without demonising the care industry. It was a catalyst for opening up dialogue around gaps in knowledge and understanding.

Andy teases what’s to come in Season 2, with new episodes launching on 5th November. He mentions exciting guest interviews already lined up and shares his enthusiasm for continuing both interview and solo episodes.

The Able Hub Launch: Andy introduces the Able Hub, a new initiative launching in November, which will provide free resources, e-learning, and accessible materials to help caregivers, teachers, and parents expand their knowledge and skills.

Revisiting Classic Episodes: Over the next few weeks, the podcast will re-release some of its most impactful episodes, giving listeners a chance to revisit powerful discussions or catch up on what they may have missed. These "classic" episodes will be highlighted every Tuesday.

A Call to Share and Engage: Andy encourages listeners to share their favourite episodes, give feedback, and connect with others who might benefit from the discussions. He emphasises the importance of continuing to spread knowledge and support within the caregiving community.

As Season 1 comes to an end, Andy thanks listeners for their ongoing support and engagement. He reflects on the power of the podcast in creating a space for open, honest conversations and looks forward to the launch of Season 2.

Don’t forget to tune in on 5th November for the Season 2 premiere!

Key Episodes Mentioned:

• Panorama Undercover Hospital Review (Episode 03)

Connect with Us:

• If you’ve found value in this episode, don’t forget to like, comment, and share it with your network.

As we draw season 1 of The Able to Care Podcast, to a close we revisit some old favourite episodes from our very first year. Season two starts on the 5th of November - remember remember!

On this recording Andy Baker and co-host Nadine Sutton are joined by stand-up comedian and disability advocate Benny Shakes. Benny shares his inspiring journey living with cerebral palsy (CP) and how it has shaped his career as a speaker and comedian. He discusses his challenges growing up, the stigma around disabilities, and his mission to raise awareness through his comedy and talks in schools.

Benny opens up about his childhood experiences, including how he wasn't fully aware of his condition until his teenage years, and how that realisation impacted his mental health. He talks candidly about the difficult times he faced, including turning to alcohol, and how he eventually found his purpose through comedy. Benny also reflects on the role his parents played in helping him navigate his disability and how their push for independence helped him become the person he is today.

Key Points Discussed:

• Benny’s journey with spastic cerebral palsy, from diagnosis at a young age to finding his identity as a teenager.

Benny's unique perspective, humour, and resilience make this episode an enlightening listen for anyone interested in disability awareness, mental health, and personal growth.

Connect with Benny Shakes:

• Website: Blue Badge Bunch

Be sure to check out Benny's latest comedy show Benny Shakes Gets Respect and his book Blue Badge Bunch with Benny Shakes, available on Amazon. You can also reach out to Benny for signed copies or bookings via the contact information provided on his website.

Enjoyed this episode? Don't miss out on future conversations! Make sure to subscribe to our podcast for upcoming episodes featuring insightful guests and fantastic hosts.

 Stay connected! Follow us on social media @abletraining on LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram, @abletocarepodcast on TikTok)  for behind-the-scenes content, updates, and community engagement.

 Want to delve deeper into topics discussed on the show? Visit our training website  https://www.able-training.co.uk/  for valuable resources and courses to support caregivers on their journey.

 Thank you for listening! Your support means the world to us. Stay tuned for more inspiring conversations

In this episode of the Able to Care podcast, host Andy Baker delves into the widely known Kubler-Ross model, or the Five Stages of Grief. While commonly linked to the experience of losing a loved one, Andy reveals how these stages—denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance—apply to a range of significant life changes, from job loss to major personal transitions. With personal insights and real-life examples, Andy explains how grief is not a straightforward, linear process but rather one that can revisit us unexpectedly. This episode highlights the importance of empathy, understanding, and supporting others through their unique grief journeys. Tune in to learn how recognising these stages can help both in self-reflection and in offering support to those facing loss.

Key Messages:

1. The Universal Nature of Grief
   

Key Timestamps

00:00 – Introduction 

00:22 – Overview of the Kubler-Ross Model

01:08 – Denial: First Stage of Grief

03:13 – Anger: Processing the Reality of Loss

05:34 – Bargaining: Searching for Control

07:56 – Depression: Acknowledging the Emotional Weight

10:06 – Acceptance & Moving Forward

15:11 – Empathy and Supporting Others in Grief

Enjoyed this episode? Don't miss out on future conversations! Make sure to subscribe to our podcast for upcoming episodes featuring insightful guests and fantastic hosts.

 Stay connected! Follow us on social media @abletraining on LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram, @abletocarepodcast on TikTok)  for behind-the-scenes content, updates, and community engagement.

 Want to delve deeper into topics discussed on the show? Visit our training website  https://www.able-training.co.uk/  for valuable resources and courses to support caregivers on their journey.

 Thank you for listening! Your support means the world to us. Stay tuned for more inspiring conversations

In this episode of the Able to Care podcast, host Andy Baker speaks with Kate Thubron, a trained occupational therapist and dementia care expert. Kate shares her journey from working in multiple care settings across the UK and abroad, to her passion for improving dementia care through the Montessori approach and cognitive stimulation therapy (CST). Kate discusses her experiences working with Teepa Snow’s Positive Approaches to Care model and how mindfulness and meditation practices enhance her training.

Key Messages:

1. Personalised Dementia Care with the Montessori Approach
   

Key Timestamps:

00:00:00 - Introduction and Sponsorship

00:01:00 - Kate's Career Background

00:06:30 - Working Overseas in Mombasa

00:12:00 - The Montessori Approach to Dementia Care

00:18:30 - Addressing Risk and Maintaining Independence

00:24:00 - Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST) Overview

00:50:00 - Conclusion and Key Takeaways

Enjoyed this episode? Don't miss out on future conversations! Make sure to subscribe to our podcast for upcoming episodes featuring insightful guests and fantastic hosts.

In this episode of the Able to Care podcast, host Andy Baker delves into an effective negotiation technique that’s versatile enough to be used in a variety of settings – from managing relationships within a household to navigating conflicts in the workplace. Inspired by an approach he discovered in a book on ADHD, Andy shares how this strategy can help set rules and boundaries in a fair and non-confrontational manner, giving all parties a voice. Whether you're a caregiver, teacher, or parent, this episode offers practical tools to resolve conflicts and improve collaboration with those you support.

Looking for more on this topic?

Check out Andy's upcoming book Targeting the Positive, launching in November 2024, which provides in-depth strategies on managing behaviours and building positive relationships.

Key Messages:

The collaborative negotiation technique allows all parties, including caregivers and children, to express their viewpoints and jointly find a solution.

It encourages the use of non-confrontational language, reducing defensiveness and promoting understanding.

The strategy is flexible enough to be applied to a range of scenarios, from managing behaviours in children with ADHD or PDA to resolving disputes in professional settings.

Key Timestamps:

[00:00:25] – Introduction to the negotiation technique.

[00:01:00] – How the technique applies to children with ADHD or PDA.

[00:03:00] – Setting rules and boundaries collaboratively.

[00:05:00] – Example: Addressing morning routine challenges with children.

[00:08:00] – Using the technique in professional and personal relationships.

[00:11:00] – Voting on proposed solutions: A fair and visual approach.

[00:14:00] – How to brainstorm and evaluate ideas with plus and minus ratings.

[00:17:00] – The importance of maintaining boundaries with empathy and understanding.

Enjoyed this episode? Don't miss out on future conversations! Make sure to subscribe to our podcast for upcoming episodes featuring insightful guests and fantastic hosts.

Stay connected! Follow us on social media @abletraining on LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram, @abletocarepodcast on TikTok) for behind-the-scenes content, updates, and community engagement.

Want to delve deeper into topics discussed on the show? Visit our training website https://www.able-training.co.uk/ for valuable resources and courses to support caregivers on their journey.

Thank you for listening! Your support means the world to us. Stay tuned for more inspiring conversations